Varicella-Zoster Virus Reactivation Is an Important Cause of Acute Peripheral Facial Paralysis in Children

• DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000151032.16639.9c
• Publication Date: 2005-02-08T09:03:37Z
• Authors: Yasushi Furuta; Fumio Ohtani; Hiroshi Aizawa; Satoshi Fukuda; Hiroki Kawabata; Tomas Bergström
• Keywords: Varicella zoster virus; Facial paralysis; Cytomegalovirus

Background: Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 is thought to be a major cause adult idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis or Bell's palsy. However, few studies have examined the pathogenesis this condition in children. Serologic assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis paired sera saliva samples were used here investigate causes acute pediatric patients. Methods: A total 30 children with recruited. Paired assayed for evidence herpesvirus, mumps Borrelia infection. PCR was detect varicella-zoster (VZV) DNA samples. Results: Ramsay Hunt syndrome accompanying zoster lesions diagnosed clinically 2 patients, VZV reactivation confirmed serologically. absence (zoster sine herpete) 9 patients either serologic PCR. Thus demonstrated 11 (37%) The prevalence among between 6 15 years age significantly higher than those younger 5 (53% versus 9%, P = 0.023). Conclusions: Our data indicate that an important children, especially age.